Royalty for Royalty

By Jessi Pierce

Thursday, August 1, 2013

VERNON >> This past week, Royalty For Life has been fit for his name.

Stabled at Vernon Downs for the summer, the three-year-old colt has been treated like royalty with hay and carrots along with press and photo requests as he prepares for one of his biggest harness races of his career on Saturday.

"We're definitely spoiling him a bit," said Royalty For Life's caretaker, 25-year-old Britney Gale. "We're just keeping him happy and healthy and giving him treats while keeping his focus.

"He doesn't seem to mind it one bit."

Royalty For Life, bred and born in Belchertown, Mass., but stationed at Vernon Downs this year, will head out to Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey to compete in what is harness racing's version of the Kentucky Derby -- the $1.2 million Hambletonian. He is set to be one of the top favorites in his race.

Also preparing for one of the biggest harness races of his career is Royalty For Life's trainer, George Ducharme, who has been preparing Royalty For Life for this moment since he was young, and preparing himself for this moment for 35 years.

"I started working with horses when I was young," said Ducharme, who resides in Norfolk. "I am extremely excited to get us to this point and for Saturday's race."

Royalty For Life making it into the Hambletonian didn't come as much of a surprise to Ducharme.

"Last year, when he was two, we started to notice that he has the speed and ability to excel," said Ducharme. "That's where a lot of success comes from in this sport, is from what the horses can do."

Yet some still comes from Ducharme and Gale, who prep day in and day out with Royalty For Life to keep the colt in tip-top racing shape with practice races, feeding, bathing and warm-ups.

Royalty For Life will be driven by Vernon native and Vernon Verona Sherrill graduate Brian Sears and a success would mark the first time in 25 years that a horse stabled at Vernon Downs won the Hambletonian.

And success is what Ducharme believes is possible.

"He's a pre-race favorite and I truly believe he has what it takes," said Ducharme. "I can't wait to see what happens Saturday, there are a lot of good horses there and to be up against that and in the mixed is really a great feeling."